Knowles places teachers at the heart of any meaningful change in science and math education. Supporting teachers to grow into their capacity to lead from the classroom is the most rewarding work I’ve ever done.“
Jeff’s Story
In 2013, Jeff joined Knowles as a Senior Program Officer for Teacher Development. In this role, he had primary responsibility for supporting Teaching Fellows in their third and fourth years of the organization’s signature program, the Knowles Teaching Fellows Program. One year later, he was promoted to Director of the Program. In 2018, Jeff was promoted to Vice President of Programs. With responsibility for the Knowles Teaching Fellows Program, the Knowles Senior Fellows Program, and the Knowles Academy, Jeff led efforts to expand Knowles’ impact through the launch of free and discounted online and in-person professional development offerings for teachers and customized professional development offerings for schools and districts. While in the role, he also increased the breadth and depth of opportunities available for Senior Fellows to grow their leadership capacity. Jeff was appointed President and CEO in January 2022.
He began his career in the Cincinnati Public School District, where he taught science for nine years. While working with student teachers from local universities and leading district-wide professional development, he developed an interest in teacher education. In 2005, Jeff enrolled in a doctoral program in curriculum, teaching, and educational policy at Michigan State University. At Michigan State, he taught courses on secondary science methods and worked as a graduate assistant on a National Science Foundation grant that studied science and math teacher induction at the Exploratorium Teacher Institute. His dissertation focused on the ways student teachers develop a practice as they navigate teacher education and their field placements; it was awarded the National Association for Research in Science Teaching’s Outstanding Doctoral Research Award in 2011.
Most recently, Jeff worked at Syracuse University, where he coordinated the secondary science education program and served as an assistant professor of science education. During his tenure at Syracuse, he served as the co-principal investigator on two grants valued at over $2 million dollars, and was published in the Journal of Teacher Education, Teaching & Teacher Education, and American Biology Teacher. Notably, Jeff has presented his research findings at nearly 20 conferences.
He holds a B.S. in chemistry and secondary education from the University of Cincinnati, an M.Ed. in secondary education from Miami University and a Ph.D. in curriculum, teaching and educational policy from Michigan State University.
Originally from the Midwest, Jeff currently resides in Moorestown, N.J. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, hiking, reading, playing poker and spending time with his wife and their two daughters.